The Infratemporal Retro-Eustachian Transposition of the Temporoparietal Fascial Flap for Clival Reconstruction After Endoscopic Endonasal Approach: An Anatomic Conceptual Technique.

BACKGROUND

Reconstruction after endoscopic endonasal approaches is a key element. Lower clivus reconstruction is difficult and most of the times a pedicled flap is not available. As the complexity and the dimensions of the exposure increase, a reliable reconstruction technique becomes more and more important.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the anatomic and technical nuances of the transposition of the temporoparietal fascial flap for lower clivus reconstruction.

METHODS

A specific temporoparietal fascial flap (TPFF) design and tunneling technique has been studied using 4 head specimens, microscopic and endoscopic surgical techniques, and neuronavigation.

RESULTS

The L-shaped flap offers several advantages. It can be tunneled directly toward the lower clivus passing through the infratemporal fossa.

CONCLUSION

The infratemporal retro-eustachian transposition of an L-shaped TPFF provides a vascularized tissue virtually without dimension limits. This is the only technique that allows the flap to be tunneled directly in the lower clivus with the most vascular portion being at the bottom of the defect. Clinical validation is still required since more issues may become relevant in a real-surgery setting. Though, due to its possible complications, this methodology needs further testing and should not be attempted in less experienced hands.